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Kailta’s allegorical story ol torture and penalty should be a chilling experience. Sadly, Deconstruction’s actors are too faltering in their delivery to convey the sinister menace behind the ceremonies oi the Correction and Justice Machine, as shown to an ‘erpert’ visiting a tropical prison
Whatdoes come through, and comes through very strongly, is the sheer wedtness oi the intpartial observer in
IN THE PRISON COLONY
in The Prison Colony: Too faltering to convey Katie‘s sinister menace.
the lace of internal brutality and pointless retribution. It is the same powerlessness we hear about every day as the United llations goes about its impartiality in trouble spots around the world. Toothless, but thought- provoking. (T horn lllbdln)
In the Prison Colony (Fringe) Deconstruction Touring, Theatre Workshop (Venue 20) 226 5426, until
Sept 4, 3pm, £5 (£4).
our open evening.
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32 The List 27 August—9 September 1993
V THEATRE PLASTEREO
Trestle’s brand of wordless mask comedy has won them many friends. but there's not a lot to shout about in this Fringe presentation. Although you‘ll emerge somewhat amazed at the fact that there are only four performers. and at their ability to create a neat little love story out of the barest elements. the material itself is pretty thin and seems tilted more toward a kids than an adult sense of humour. The first half is set in a pub. the second in a hospital. and there’s lots of falling over. rueful shoulder-shrugs and racing on and off stage. It‘s clever stuff. but just not very funny. (Andrew Pulver)
I Plastered (Fringe) Trestle Theatre. St Brides Centre (Venue 62) 346 1405. until 4 Sept (not Suns). 3.30pm. £6 (£4).
V COMEDY THOSE GIRLS
They start off their routine with a highly enjoyable ‘assertiveness training class‘ sketch. mercilessly depicting two pupils and their head-strong (and exceptionally right-on) teacher with vibrancy and brilliant observation.
A continuous barrage of sketches follow. somewhat reminiscent of a compilation album — some are excellent. some mediocre and some downright dull. Along the way, the girls take in a
Plastered
myriad of different characters and sometimes
create dreadfully . annoying caricatures.
while always remaining
. defensive enough to
lambast people from
different classes and f walks of life.
Not really living up to
my expectations. but nonetheless an amusing
and well observed show
' which raises a few good
points. (Joe Lampard)
‘ I These Girls (Fringe) The Gilded Balloon
(Venue 38) 226 2151. until 4 Sept. 4.30pm. £5.50 (£4.50)._
THE SPIDER OF SPINOLE WOOD
lfyou go down to the
wood today . . . you‘d
. better have a few rhyming
couplets and a supply of Yorkshire puddings in your sock. because
' otherwise the spider who lives there might eat you instead. This. anyway. is one of the hinges of
Parable Puppet Theatre‘s adventure story for four to eleven-year-olds. A formulaic — if original — tale. it is presented from a traditional Punch and Judy booth. with Victorian-style glove— puppets operated by one tnan. who also provides an admirably wide range of voices.
There are no significant innovations here. and one might criticise. for example. the gaps in the action while puppets are being changed. but there
, can be no disputing this
show’s professional polish
; and the intrigue and 5 enjoyment it brings to its
ThoseGlris '
i
| 1
target audience. (Andrew Burnet)
I The Spider oi Spindle (Fringe) Parable Puppet Theatre. St Paul's & St George's Church Hall (Venue 114) 556 1202. until 3 Sept (alternate days). 4pm. £3 (£1.50).
V THEATRE
THE ADMIRAL JONES
'Scottish Adventurer. British Traitor. American Hero‘, runs the sub-title, making it clear that John Paul Jones is going to have an awful lot of explaining to do in the course of his one-and- three-quarter-hour
monologue. Fortunately
this 18th century character is played by Jimmy Chisholm. whose phenomenal abilities make for a gripping passage through this blustery life. The journey is an enthralling one. continually begging the audience to judge Jones on more than his own words; he was Admiral for the Imperial Russian Navy. yet later drank with Robespierre; he only became an American to flee a murder charge. Hero or psychopath‘? Judge for yourself. (Stephen Chester)
I The Admiral Jones (Fringe) Dumfries and Galloway Arts. The Netherbow Arts Centre (Venue 30) 556 9579. until 4 Sept. 5.30pm. £6 (£4).
V THEATRE
APRIL IN PARIS
Hull Truck has come in for a lot of flak over the years. but if the queue round the block in George Street is any indication. audiences are still flocking to John Godber’s bittersweet brand of kitchen-sink drama. April In Paris is recession comedy of the sharpest kind: Mark Addy and Amanda Orton are the bored couple who win a weekend trip to the French capital. They discover the joys of the European lifestyle in their first trip abroad. as well as the possiblities of renewed romance. Tough and witty performances complement a simple and moving story that provokes belly-laughs as well as sympathy. An unexpected delight. (Andrew Pulver)
I Apl’ll ll PUB (Fringe) Hull Truck, Assembly Rooms (Venue 3) 226 2428. 16 Aug—4 Sept. 3pm. £7.50/£8.50 (£6.50/£7.50).
A